Jean-Francois Helias and his team of guides at Fishing Adventures Thailand pioneered sporting fishing in Thailand over twenty years ago. Their unrivaled level of experience sets them apart from all others when it comes to local knowledge, connections and expertise. They are the original and still the best at what they do. Whether you are a novice angler or a seasoned professional, Francois and his team will work hard to make sure you have a memorable fishing experience and put the odds in your favour to catch the trophy fish of your dreams

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Steve Ryan, Outdoor writer, USA

Of the many fishing guides I have spent time with in decades fishing around the world, none is as interesting, colorful and passionate about fish and fishing as Jean-Francois Helias. The diminutive but larger-than-life French expat and his longtime colleague, Phanpraphat "Kik" Lutjirot , have a unique knowledge of Southeast Asia fishing. My days fishing with Francois in Thailand remain among the most memorable of my lifetime.

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Doug Olander, Editor in Chief of Sport Fishing magazine, USA

Of all the places I've travelled and fished, Thailand was an adventure I'll never forget! From the vicious surface action when fishing for snakehead to the hard fighting Mekong giant catfish, there is no place in the world like it. Fishing Adventures Thailand took care of everything. From the moment I stepped off the plane in Bangkok to the time I flew back to the America, they were there every step of the way. The fishing, food and adventure was outstanding.

Capt. Conway Bowman, host of Fly Fishing the World TV series, USA

My recent trip to Thailand was one of the best of my 133 international fishing expeditions. While exclusively fly fishing, I landed 225 fish comprising 18 species. At least 25 fish were between 20 and 50 lbs. That's great fishing!

Dr. Leonard Kouba, Fishing Globetrotter, Chicago, USA

I highly recommend Fishing Adventures Thailand's friendly team. Everything works perfectly and professionally - from the food, to logistics, to the actual fishing!

Dr. Jens Bursell, Editor-in-Chief of Fisk og Fri fishing magazine, Denmark

Take one fishing trip with Fishing Adventures Thailand and you will be hooked. Thailand is a wonderful country, with warm, friendly people and delicious food. Jean-Francois is excellent company, his guides are first class anglers, and the fishing is absolutely brilliant.

 
Nigel Botherway, Fisherman's Blues Radio Presenter, UK

I have fished all over the world, and I have never seen such consistent action or such a professional team.

Steve Wozniak, Legendary Fishing Globetrotter, San Francisco, CA

We traveled to Thailand to shoot a movie for the Daiwa fishing programme, for the Japanese nationwide TV network. I wish to express my thanks to Francois and his unique team of guides for making it all happen, and to express the due respect that I have for him as a top professional angler. Francois’ Fishing Adventures Thailand team has absolutely no equal in Thailand. I have been very much impressed by their amazing enthusiasm as fellow anglers, together with their high level of professionalism as fishing guides. They will completely guide you to success, offering you not only the best angling spots, baits, rigs, and tackle, but also sophisticated tactics, smart tricks, plus guaranteed knowledge and experience.

 
Kaoru Moteki, Japanese carp angler specialist

I would have no hesitation in recommending Fishing Adventures Thailand for a first class guiding service.

Terry Eustace, Leslies of Luton Ltd, Birmingham, UK

Film crews are especially difficult for an outfitter to handle. The large amount of gear, the last-minute travel changes; all of these issues were handled by Fishing Adventures Thailand with professionalism and class. I will book further shows with them, and would recommend them to anyone seeking an Asian fishing experience. The food, the lodging, and especially the Thai people, have combined to make this one of my all time favourite travel memories.

Mike Baker, ESPN Producer – Get Wild with Cindy Garrison TV series - USA

I strongly believe that Jean-François will enjoy enormous success with his Fishing Adventures Thailand guide service. His inspiration has been second to none, whilste giving his adopted land a tool that was missing and, somehow, sometime, he will gain recognition for it. I am convinced that with his angling skills, his enthusiasm, his honest and intelligent dedication to all, Jean-François will make his venture a fantastic success.

Albert Drachkovitch, France's most famous freshwater angler & Fishing writer

As an international angler, I had already been fishing with many professional guiding companies. I thought I was satisfied with my experiences until I went fishing with Jean-Francois Helias' Fishing Adventures Thailand. Not only is Jean-Francois an extremely nice guy to be with, he also has the knowledge and the drive to do his very best to make your stay an absolute success.

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Luc Coppens, Europe's legendary predator angler &Fishing writer, Belgium

I have travelled almost in all best fishing places in the world, but fishing with Jean-Francois and his team was a simply amazing and unforgettable experience.

Roberto Ferrario - Fishing Globetrotter & Sportfishing Writer, Italy

The arrangements during my trip were absolutely perfect. The hotel accommodation and the round-trip transportation to the fishing spots were really good. The guiding service was truly excellent. There was no extra cost added so everything went as promised. We all know that there are many guiding services with some unexpected extra costs... 

Thank you for everything! I will be coming back, probably many, many times.

Pekka Salo, Urheilukalastus fishing magazine Sub Editor, Finland

The Fishing Adventures Thailand pro guides are first-class. Everything was laid on to make it a memorable experience. I've been fortunate to have fished all over the world for many species but this is one trip I'll never forget and we're already planning to return later this year.

Roger Mortimore, Deputy Editor, Total Sea Fishing magazine, UK

Being the owner of an Angling Wholesale company I get the opportunity to fish all around the world. I must say it was an eye-opener experience to find out that firstly there was fishing available so close to bustling Bangkok, and secondly, the variety and incredible size of these fish made our day one of the best fun days of angling I have ever experienced!
I would like to personally congratulate you for the way your operation is handled, right from the prompt collection of myself and clients from our hotel, right through to the pleasant manner of yourself and guides as well as the willingness to make our day thoroughly enjoyable.

Garry Barmby, Managing Director, Angling Adventures, Australia

Whether you like adventure fishing for wild species or you like hauling big fish, (or indeed both), you only need to contact Fishing Adventures Thailand to arrange trips to remote and wild places in Thailand. Make no mistake; you will catch good fish! Jean-Francois is himself a totally devoted angler, which is immediately apparent - and that, added to his ever-present smile and expertise, is the best recipe for a perfect fishing holiday. Besides Jean-Francois, you have his hugely experienced team of guides, who know the waters, methods, and baits that you need to succeed.

Johnny Jensen, Sportfishing journalist, Denmark

The food and company were excellent, and as an added bonus the four of us caught 29 different species in 9 days, our very professional and knowledgeable local guides even bumped the species count to 33. A piscatorial paradise for a group of biologists, wildlife photographers and angling nerds! Try it for yourself, I am sure you won't regret it.

Thorke Østergaard, Biologist & Writer for Fisk og Fri fishing magazine, Denmark

I just returned from the Professional Bass Fishing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies in Hot Springs, Arkansas. One gentleman mentioned fishing in Thailand and what an incredible time he'd had. I said, "you must have fished with Jean-Francois Helias if you had such a good time". He replied with an enthusiastic, "YES!" I just wanted to let you know that yet another person has fond memories of fishing with you. I hope to be one of them someday!

Lori Parrish-Rashbrook, Director of Special Events, International Game Fish Association

In my opinion, and the echoed opinions of many other worldwide fellow anglers, Jean-Francois Helias is without a doubt a true legend in the history of sport fishing. He is a great, funny, intelligent, humble and friendly individual. These are qualities not to be found in any legendary angler! The IGFA definitely did the right thing by awarding him their prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.

Enrico Ghedini, Fishing writer, Bologna, Italy

You deserve so much if not all of the credit for making Thailand number one as a fishing destination, and I am proud to know you and your accomplishments. The Thai government should give you an award for promoting fishing tourism in Thailand. Nobody does it better than Francois!

Chris Batin, Editor-in-chief of Alaska Angler Publications and Author, USA

Jean Francois Helias has an unwavering passion and dedication for fishing emanating from every pore in his being. What is more important is his communication with mother nature and it is obvious that he has the soul of a poet, and the heart of lion. If you're fortunate enough to fish with him on his Fishing Adventure Thailand guide service you won't forget it in a hurry. Whether you catch the proverbial fish of a lifetime or not, one thing is for sure, it won't be for the lack of knowledge or tenacity of Jean-Francois.

Roy Turner, Fishing writer, Spain

Well done Jean-Francois! You deserve all the accolades you receive! Thanks so much for putting my name forward to the International Game Fish Association. I have had a lovely letter from president Rob Kramer inviting me over there in October to collect a ‘hall of fame’ award, which is I’m sure, all down to you. So a very big thank you my friend!

John Wilson, England's best known angler and TV personality

Francois has more achievements than I can list here such as the IGFA 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award for outstanding contributions to sport fishing. Francois has literally placed Thailand on the fishing map all by himself. Having fished with Francois several times in the past few years, I can highly recommend his services. He knows the waters of Thailand better than anyone alive and has a great personality to boost! He is a blast to hang around with. Thailand has a wide variety of monster species to choose from and Francois can put together a bespoke package to fulfill your dreams.

Bob Daly, Fishing Globetrotter, Illinois, USA

Jean-Francois Helias, the founder of Fishing Adventures Thailand, is probably the most experienced Siamese Giant Carp expert on the planet.

Tony Davies-Patrick, Author, Film Producer & Worldwide Explorer

Sometimes, the least important thing about fishing , is the fishing. It’s also about the water, the scenery, the friendship, the camaraderie, the caring. You feel great just being there! There are few better ‘being there’ places than Thailand, and when you are actually there, there’s no better people you’d like to be with than good old Jean-Francois and his team. It's as simple as that!

Aznir Malek, Fishing writer, Malaysia

Francois is truly one of my best friends and a VIP in my fishing life! I often wish we could spend more time fishing together.

Jakub Vagner, Renowned extreme angler, host of the TV series Fish Warrior shown on National Geographic Channel

Francois knows so much that I wish he had been one of my past students, but he knows far more than they ever did, plus he would never been able to create what he has done in Thailand here in the USA! I consider him a fountain of knowledge and a valuable colleague. He has become a very important biologist, not by training, but by experience!

Walter R. Courtenay, Jr., Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, USA.

FishBase is grateful to Jean-Francois Helias for letting us show his photos. Jean-Francois' photos immediately capture people's attention. Not only because of the size of the fish shown but also because he knows how to capture that precious moment of joy and pride!

Anders M. C. Silfvergrip, Swedish Museum of Natural History, Stockholm, Sweden